Pre-Owned Aquadive Time-Depth Electronic 40990233/AS04878

Why We Love It

There is no doubt that diving watches hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors, ourselves included. In fact, Analog:Shift was founded nearly ten years ago with its eyes set squarely on vintage divers.

With their simple designs and robust movements, the tool watches of the 1960s and 1970s were built to accompany the adventurer across the globe and to keep time at its great heights as well as its dark depths. Yet for every Rolex Submariner, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, or Omega Seamaster, there were scores of other lesser-known names that ooze charm and merit consideration from the vintage watch enthusiast.

This watch, an Aquadive Reference 3730, was produced sometime in the 1970s and features a 46mm stainless steel cushion case which houses a diaphragm that when submerged, water pressure presses against, forcing an indicator hand to display a depth readout on the dial! So. Good. Of course, this piece features other dive watch essentials, such as a rotating dive timing bezel, a left-handed screw down crown, a very colorful dial, and a substantial wrist presence that gives the Omega Proplof a run for its money! Last but not least, this watch is powered by an electric movement!

If you are looking for a very quirky, functional, and endlessly charming dive watch from the golden era of sports watches, you have to give this one a look!

The Story

During the mid 1960s, the Jenny (pronounced "Yanni") Watch Company patented their MONOBLOC Triple-Safe case designs,  which were used on their own self-branded pieces, as well as sold to brands such as Jacques Monnat, Dugena, Haste, Jacquet Droz, Fortis, Aquadive and Philip Watch, among others.  These early professional-grade divers were all marketed with the "Caribbean" name, signifying their aquatic pedigree.  The designer of these pieces contributed his knowledge and technical know-how to the development of the earliest DOXA Sub Series divers, forming a connection with the brand early on.  

Fast forward in 2011, a company bought back AQUADIVE spare parts and relaunched the reliable watch brand. Based in Pforzheim in Germany, the brand relaunched AQUADIVE paying tribute to the legendary watches of the 1960s and 70s, while remaining 100% authentic.